Jessica Goeij is a neuroscientist motivated to understand the developmental origins of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Goeij earned a BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, with a minor in Biomedical Research, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Following her undergraduate studies, Goeij received an NIH Intramural Research Training Award and pursued postbaccalaureate research at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Throughout her training, Goeij has explored developmental neurobiology from multiple biological perspectives. At UCLA, she conducted research in Dr. Volker Hartenstein’s laboratory, investigating neural lineage formation in the developing Drosophila brain. She later joined Dr. Patricia Jensen’s laboratory at NIEHS, where she studied locus coeruleus norepinephrine-producing neurons and examined the role of norepinephrine signaling in brain development. These experiences helped to solidify her commitment to the field of developmental neurobiology, and biomedical research as a whole.
Goeij was drawn to the St. Jude for its world-class research environment and strong emphasis on developmental biology. She chose the Biomedical Sciences PhD program at St. Jude Graduate School because it provides an ideal foundation for her goals of pursuing an independent research career and advancing the field of developmental neurobiology.
Hometown: San Gabriel, CA
Education:
2024 BS, Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology (Minor in Biomedical Research), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2024 Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
2024 Departmental Honors for Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA
2024 Cum Laude, UCLA
2024 Dean’s Prize for Excellence in Life Science Research, UCLA
2023 Summer Sciences Award, UCLA Undergraduate Research Center
2020-24 Dean’s Honor List, UCLA